Sports
Rockville Native Competes in U.S. Amateur Tournament
Denny McCarthy played in high school for Georgetown Prep.
When Denny McCarthy and Blaine Woodruff played together in a practice round at Wisconsin's Erin Hills Golf Course for the U.S. Amateur, they found out quickly that the course would take its toll on a golfer not on his game.
McCarthy started out completely off his, especially with his driver, but shifted into par-save mode to save his round. The result was a 1-over par round of 73 Monday afternoon, which gives the Rockville native a favorable chance to make Wednesday’s match play competition.
“I found myself in a lot of heather (and fescue rough) early, but I managed to hold on,” McCarthy said. “I really had to grind it out, but I managed to get back to around even.”
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McCarthy credited a pair of up-and-downs as the turning point of his day.
“I made big saves on 10 and 11, which set up the birdies on 12 and 13,” McCarthy said. “But any mistakes get punished out here. This thing, Erin Hills, is a monster.”
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Walking the course with a friend like Blaine Woodruff didn’t hurt either.
“I played in a U.S. Junior qualifier with Blaine a few years back, so we were familiar and enjoy playing with each other,” McCarthy said. “But you have to feel comfortable out there, especially on a course like this because it never gets easy.”
Though Woodruff slipped to a 5-over par round of 77, he managed to turn around a sour day with a birdie on the lengthy 675-yard par-5 finishing hole.
“It’s certainly better making that putt (than the alternative),” Woodruff said. “All day I kept leaving putts on the lip, but I finally got one to go in.”
Despite his score, Woodruff enjoyed the company of McCarthy on the links.
“Denny’s a really good guy and I’ve played a lot of golf with him,” Woodruff said. “I think it was good pairing for both of us.”
The Acworth, Ga., native credited some of his troubles on inexperience with lengthy tracks. The 7,760-yard layout of Erin Hills proved unfamiliar.
“I’ve played courses like this, but nothing this long,” Woodruff said. “I’m looking forward to Blue Mound Country Club tomorrow. I know my legs are, too.”
Woodruff and McCarthy will be pushing to reach the top 64 Tuesday to play in the match play competition. The winner of the event will be decided in a 36-hole final match Sunday at Erin Hills.
